Ear-muff



(No Model.) I

E. R. BARNES.

EAR MUFF. No. 352,798. Patented Nov. 16, 1886.

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. beneath the chin, so that by shortening or UNITED STATES PATENT (JF ICE.

EZRA R. BARNES, OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA.

EAR-MUFF.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 352,798, dated November 16, 1886.

Application filed December 12, 1885. Serial No. 185,492. (No model.)

T0 at whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, EZRA It. BARNES, a citizen of the United States, residing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, haveinventedcertain Improvements in Ear-Muffs, ofwhich the following is a specification.

The object of my invention is to so construct the devices whereby the muffs are confined to the head of the wearer that said mufi's can be readily adjusted to the proper position, and when once adjusted Will retain this position.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a perspective view of a pair of ear-muffs provided with attaching devices made in accordance with my invention; Fig. 2, alongitudinal section of one of the ear-muffs on a larger'scale than Fig. 1; and Fig. 3, a sectional plan of one of the muffs on the linel 2, Fig. 2. I

Each of the muffs is made of fur, plush,velvet, or other soft fabric, a, which is applied to a metallic frame, b, the latter being of oval shape, so as to fit round the base of the ear and bear against .the sideof the head.

The piece of. fabric of which the mufi .is composed is considerably larger than the area of the space'inclosed, by the frame b, so that when the edge of the fabric is secured to the frame the muff will possess such an amount of fullness that when applied to the ear the fabric is free to y'ieldat the top and rear, so as to readily accommodate itself to the car when the latter is in its .natural position, the muff thus serving to inclose and protect the car without flattening it against the head or otherwise disturbing its natural position or, interfering with the proper circulation of the blood.

The pair of muffs A A are connected at the bottom by an elastic cord, B, and at the top by an inelastic band, D, which is provided with a buckle, d, or with aretaining-slide or equivalent device, whereby it can be adjusted as to length. This band D is intended to pass over the top of the head, the elastic cord B passing lengthening the band D the muffs can be readily adjusted to suit the height of the wearers ears, the cord B stretching or contracting as required, and serving under all circumstances to hold the muffs closely to the head.

Although I prefer the use of the elastic chincord B, an inelastic but adjustable band similar to the band D may be used in place of the same, if desired, or the positions of the band D and elastic cord B may be reversed, the cord nected by a metal rod passing around the back of the neck and adjustable in length; but my invention is distinct from these, in that the muffs are connected both" at top and bottom, both of these connections being adjustable inelength.

I am aware, further, that ear-muffs have been provided with elastic head-bands, and chin-bands likewise elastic; but in my case one, at least, of the connections is inelastic, so that when the muffs are properly adjusted they will retain this position, whereas when both of the connections are elastic the mufis will assume and retain a position where the pull of both connections is uniform.

I therefore claim as my invention 1. The combination of a pair of ear-muffs a head-piece connecting the tops of said muffs together, and a chin-piece connecting together the bottoms of the'muffs, one of said connections being inelastic, and both connections being adjustable as to length, whereby the muffs can be adjusted'to suit the height of the wearers ears, all substantially as specified.

2. The combination of a pair of ear-muffs with a headpiece connecting the tops of the muffs and a chin-piece connecting the bot toms of the muffs, one of said connections being elastic, and the otherinelastic, but adj ustable as to length,whereby vertical adjustment of the ear-muffs on the head is permitted, all substantially as specified. v

3. The combinationof a pair of ear-muffs, each having a rigid metallic frame, a headpiece connecting the tops of themuffs together, and a chin-piece connecting the bottoms of the muffs, one of said connections being inelastic, but both connections being adjustable as to length,whereby the muffs can be adjusted vertically on the wearers head, all substantially as specified.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

; EZRA R. BARNES.

Witnesses: Y

' WILLIAM F. DAVIS,

HARRY SMITH. 

